The Il-38, produced by Ilyushin, is used by Russia for maritime patrol, primarily anti-submarine warfare. It was developed in the late 1950's from a Soviet passenger aircraft design.

About 35 Il-38 aircraft are still being operated by the Russian Navy, primarily as a deterrent to submarines operated by the United States and its allies.

Through the years the Il-38 has continued to receive upgrades to its wiring, engines, airframe, weapons systems, and avionics.

Five Il-38 aircraft were exported to India. In addition to mines, torpedoes, bombs, and depth charges, they are equipped with air to surface anti shipping missiles.

All remaining Il-38 aircraft are in the process of receiving the latest systems upgrades. The upgrade packages are produced by Novella under the name "Sea Dragon." Included are a turret containing night vision TV and Forward Looking Infrared systems. Additional Infrared systems are being installed which will sense changes in the sea
temperature to better track the heat signatures of submarines. Electronic Support Measures and upgraded high-resolution radar subsystems, as well as enhanced magnetic anomalies sensors are included in the updates.

Electronics Intelligence gathering will also be enhanced with the ability to monitor more frequencies and
more comprehensively interpret the data received, comparing newly acquired data to known threats. Individual computer systems will be linked to all sensors.

New computing systems will allow simultaneous multiple target tracking of up to 32 threats. Enhanced LCD displays will be installed for the pilot, co-pilot, and navigator.